Did I get good one?

[Petej]

Probably a bit late to ask that since It's on it's way...

I recently purchased a Minolta X7A (A370) from Evilbay. Two lenses (one 50mm and one 200MM zoom), camera body, flash, carry strap and bag for 50 bucks w/shipping.

Did I get a good one? The ratings all seem good for the year and model...

Would it be a fair comparison to my Dad's Pentax ME Super?

 

[John Koehrer]

I'd think it's a good deal if everything works and it should be pretty much equal to the Pentax.

 

[Petej]

Sweet. Once I have in my grubby paws I'll run some rolls thru it and see how it does....

 

[M.A.Longmore]

.
I'm not familiar with the Pentax ME Super.
My middle name should actually be Minolta, so I approve !

Ron
.

 

[Petej]

The Pentax is a good beginners camera, just like the Minolta. Aperture Priority and all.

Seller says he shipped it.

 

[M.A.Longmore]

.
Now you need to get yourself a wide angle lens, grab a 28mm if you can.
I love the Vivitar 28mm 2.5, especially when you find one on the 'Bay for $10.00 !
Happy Hunting ! And if you become a Subscriber you can share your photographs.

Ron
.

 

[Petej]

I'm looking for more lenses already. I think it's an addiction...... I need to build up my stash of cash again before I buy more though..... Moving eats money.....Especially when it's a 350 mile move..... :O


From Astoria, Or to Bellingham, Wa.......LOOOOOOOOONG move for me.

 

[fstop]

Stick to Minolta lenses, they are pretty cheap right now. Once you use a Rokkor or MD and try an aftermarket lens you will never buy after market.

 

[icywarm]

I'm looking for more lenses already. I think it's an addiction...... I need to build up my stash of cash again before I buy more though..... Moving eats money.....Especially when it's a 350 mile move..... :O


From Astoria, Or to Bellingham, Wa.......LOOOOOOOOONG move for me.

but if you drive you could stop at garage sales and buy camera stuff!

 

[Jeff Kubach]

Looks like a good deal top me. You might also check out KEH for good deals.

Jeff

 

[Petej]

but if you drive you could stop at garage sales and buy camera stuff!

Good point!!

 

[Luseboy]

Not sure if it will fit your camera, but i have a rokkor.x 28mm lens that i don't need. Shoot me a PM if your interested!
-Austin

edit: i just saw this lens show up on classifieds too:
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

 

[Petej]

Not sure if it will fit your camera, but i have a rokkor.x 28mm lens that i don't need. Shoot me a PM if your interested!
-Austin

edit: i just saw this lens show up on classifieds too:
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

As soon as I have a larger stash of cash, I might just take you up on that.


Does anybody hate waiting like I hate waiting? Seems like at takes FOREVER for something to get too you..... It's in MI now......

 

[Petej]

Here it is!!!!

Just came in this afternoon.

The Irony is I had to use the crappy HP digi-cam to take pictures of a camera, that takes far better pictures.....

I bought a new bag for it, the one it came in was......eeeeeeeew.

 

[Luseboy]

Looks great! make sure it fires well and that the seals are good, and if so, you've got a great little camera. Btw- i'm not thinking much for the lens, maybe 30 bucks or something. But this seems like a pretty nice camera to use, i'm sure you'll love it. Much better than the k1000 that was my first camera!

 

[Petej]

I will definitely keep that in mind on the lens. I'm having fun getting it (or me) dialed in. Things needed a good cleaning, but for now the lenses are clean, I'll worry about the body and mirror in the morning.

 

[Luseboy]

I will definitely keep that in mind on the lens. I'm having fun getting it (or me) dialed in. Things needed a good cleaning, but for now the lenses are clean, I'll worry about the body and mirror in the morning.

I won't be selling it anytime soon, so just let me know if/when you want to get it from me . I'm glad your having fun with it. Whenever i get a new camera, i literaly spend hours just messing around with it, cleaning it, test firing it, etc. Its a great feeling getting a new camera! now lets see some pictures!

 

[Petej]

I've got two rolls ready for the developer tomorrow. I would love to develop my own, but for now, I'll use a photo place......

I'm gonna focus on cleaning the body tomorrow. I know the camera shop that I took it too today cleaned the lenses, but I don't know what they used. What do I use to clean this thing?

Rubbing Alcohol, and swabs? Glass cleaner? (I'm hesitant on this one)

 

[2F/2F]

Sounds good. I really like Minolta cameras, and they're super cheap, as are the lenses. I don't need another system, but I recently got some Minolta stuff for someone I know...and it sound silly, but I am jealous! SRT-101 (with original box and instruction manual), XE-7, 28mm 2.8, 50mm 1.7, 135mm 2.8, 200mm 3.5, extension tubes (all Minolta brand) for under $200. Then I had to spend $100 getting minor things spruced up at a repair shop. You cannot really beat that unless you are getting it for free. Two bodies and four good brand-name lenses for $300 is ridiculous.

 

[mr rusty]

A little info to tuck away in case you need it. I am 95% certain that the X-7A is almost identical to the X300/370. If so, it probably also has the same capacitor weakness in the shutter circuit. These get old and eventually pack up. The symptom is the LEDs come on, but go out as soon as the shutter is depressed, and the shutter doesn't fire. Turning the camera on/off brings the LEDs back.

The capacitor is in the base, costs $0.50, and a steady hand to solder in. I have an X300 bought new in mid 80's and still used occasionally, so this is the voice of experience. Its a great, robust, reliable camera.

 

[Petej]

Thank you. So far. no problems other then dirty glass....

The 300/370 is identical. X7A is the model number for the European market. You could buy either one in the states from my understanding.

I have some electronics repair experience, so it would be an easy fix should that capacitor fail.